Defence Minister John McCallum says safety is the top priority as Canadian troops prepare to be deployed on a peacekeeping mission to Afghanistan.

"It is clear that this is a dangerous mission. So our first priority is to ensure the safety of our people...We have robust rules of engagement. I know as well, that our people are very well trained and well led," McCallum told a news conference.

Concern over the mission has been building in recent weeks. Critics have said Canadian troops have been spread too thin and don't have access to all the equipment they need.

"I have to make it very clear that we will spare no effort, and no money, to ensure that our people all the equipment that they need to defend themselves in this difficult position," McCallum said.

Earlier this month, four German soldiers were killed and 29 wounded when a suicide bomber targeted the bus that was taking them to Kabul's airport. The soldiers were on their way home.

Another peacekeeper was wounded when Afghan demonstrators hurled stones at the American Embassy in Kabul in May. The protesters also targeted vehicles belonging to the international peacekeeping force.

And four Canadian soldiers were killed in a friendly-fire incident during the war in Afghanistan. Many military families are still struggling to cope with the loss.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Ray Henault said a complete support structure will be put in place in Canada for the families of the soldiers participating in the peacekeeping mission.

He said 1,700 soldiers will be sent to Kabul over the summer. Another 200 soldiers be deployed outside the capital towards the end of the summer.

"Our job in Kabul and also in the surrounding area of operation is clear. We'll be assisting and maintaining a secure and stable environment for the Afghan transitional authority," Henault said.

McCallum said that he would be visiting Kabul and Afghan President Hamid Karzai ahead of the mission. The Canadian operation has been dubbed "Athena," after the Greek goddess who protected cities.

NATO is scheduled to take charge of the peacekeeping mission on August 11. Under the UN Security Council mandate, international peacekeepers are restricted to Kabul.

British Gen. Sir Jack Deverell, commander of NATO's northern headquarters which is planning the Afghan mission, said the eventual aim is to have 16 Provincial Reconstruction Teams fanned across the country.

So far, the United States has sent three teams to the provinces to help improve security while assisting humanitarian projects. McCallum said humanitarian aid was also a key part of the Canadian mission.

"It speaks to Canadian values coming to the aid of a beleaguered nation, a beleaguered people and to provide them with a measure of security, and a measure of humanitarian aid," McCallum said.